Monday, August 17, 2015

Process group - Initiation as per PMBOK in PMP

Lets first see what are the process groups

There are five process flows

a) Initiation
b) Planning
c) Execution
d) Monitoring and Control
e) Closing

Initiation:
When does a project get initiated ?

Let me give a few scenario
a) In an IT industry does the project get initiated when it comes on the table of  manager with all specs and he and his team has to develop the project.
b) In Construction company, does the point of initiation comes when the labour is asked to construct the building post the approval of blue print.

To both of the above scenario's the answer is "No" The project initiation starts a lot before. The first step to start the project is to select the project manager. The project manager has first to understand "What does business require holistically". When I say holistically, I mean to say he should be able to get the big picture. The project may be done in two ways. One do what is asked for and another is to address the issue which strategically management is trying to solve post completion of the project.

This would require the project manager to understand company's strategic objective. Based on strategic objectives, if the doing a project is feasible or not feasible. If its feasible develop measurable goals. Project manager is not going to deliver the project all on his own. So he needs to identify stake-holders.

Once the stake holders are identified the project manager needs to take care of company reputation.

Scenario:The company has a reputation of delivering a vernier calliper with 0.00001% defect. Company has got a big order to be delivered in two weeks. However as per standard process it takes four weeks to complete the order. Management has come with an alternative plant to achieve the goal. However they have identified that it may risk the accuracy of the product. Should the project manager give a go ahead.

The answer is certainly no. This will cause a lot of issues if this known risks comes into affect and company will spend more on damage control. And surely the project manager will be accused of delivering a bad product.

Next post read about Planning

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